Friday, October 14, 2016

Here are this year's Christmas titles. They have been shipped to the shops on our automatic list. Look for these titles and other JBW Designs at your local stitching shop. If they don't carry my designs, tell them to contact me to place an order.

This Christmas brings the start of a new series I am calling Sing A Song of Christmas. Each design is centered around a different Christmas song. The first three are Over the River, Here Comes Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman. They have been finished as little stocking ornaments.

My next design is a darling Folk Art Christmas Tree. This design looks sweet mounted on a folk art tree board from Kelmscott Designs. I have some of these boards in stock. Please have your shop contact me to order them if you would like to finish your piece like the sample.

I have also designed a companion piece to last year's Tidings of Joy. It is called O' Christmas Tree and I just love it stitched in white thread on red fabric over one. I also stitched it over two on white fabric with red thread. It looks great either way.

Finally, this year's Limited Edition Ornament Kit is entitled Deck the Halls. The kit includes the fabric, chart, finishing instructions, charms, ribbon, and chenille trim. You just need to provide the fibers.

Friday, August 5, 2016

Guess what?! The new Halloween releases were delivered by the printer earlier this week, and we have sent out tons of them to our loyal needlework shops this afternoon. If by some chance, you don't receive my monthly newsletters or are not part of my Friends of JBW Designs group on Facebook, then you'll need to see these new designs! I seem to have been intrigued with the color black this time, but you must agree - it works if you're stitching either the French Country Black Cat, French Country Crow, French Country Ghost, or The Witch's Hat. But never hesitate to change the fabrics and fibers in my designs. It's always fun to see your inspirations.

Not only have I been working on Halloween patterns since April, but the new Christmas designs have been completed.

There will be six new designs released in early September at the Harvest Hop which is an online show for needlework shops. The shop owners will be buying from many designers at that time, as the Fall and Christmas seasons tend to be the best selling months.

You'll be the first to hear about the new designs. There are three small stockings in a new series call, "Sing A Song of Christmas." Each one features a phrase from a popular holiday tune. In addition, I'll have another red and white design, a folk art Christmas tree, and a 2016 Limited Edition Ornament Kit.

It's a wonder I have time to do anything else, but I do take time to work on our gardens, go boating with the grandchildren, and enjoy each day when we can eat out on the porch.

I'm grateful for so many blessings in my life, and hope that you too find time for relaxation after your busy work days.

Monday, May 23, 2016

One of our favorite garden plants is an early bloomer called Forget-Me-Nots, and I think it is so appropriate for this post, as you probably thought I have forgotten how to post on my blog! Somehow, the hectic nature of life seems to have interfered with regular posts. But I vow to improve my communication skills.

My husband and I were fortunate to spend time in Florida this winter, which is always a welcome change from the snow and cold of Michigan. Now we are entering our favorite time of year - Spring and Summer, and we spent the weekend getting out all of the porch furniture from the basement, power washing the front of the house and planting perennials, pots and annuals. We love eating outdoors for a few months, and being able to enjoy the yard with our family.
On Mother's Day we hosted a brunch here and spent part of the afternoon playing croquet. Pictured here are 3 generations of Whitman's : my husband Dick , son Mark, and grandson Wyatt.

The kids love setting up elaborate layouts for the croquet games, which often involve going up and down hills, and sending balls into the woods. We hope they'll never forget what fun we have together and we realize how lucky we are to live near all of the six grandchildren.

In the Spring you will often find us at any number of baseball games. Our youngest granddaughter (7) Elli plays on a Little League team and does amazingly well as the only girl on the team.

But then she takes after her older sister Ashton who is the only girl on a JV high school baseball team! I never learned how to play baseball properly, so I'm very proud of my granddaughters for being part of this sport. To say we attend lots of games is an understatement, but how lucky we are to be part of their lives.

Since beach season is approaching, don't forget about some JBW designs that would be perfect for this time of year. Beach Bound has been designed for this pre-finished beach bag, and the Patriotic A,,B, C's is a great one for your 4th of July decor.

Believe it or not, I'm busily designing for Halloween, and before I know it - it will be time to begin Christmas leaflets. Oh the year is going by much too quickly - so be sure to enjoy every moment - and remember - I haven't forgotten you!
With kind thoughts and happy stitching -
Judy

Monday, April 4, 2016

It has been brought to my attention that there is an error in the stitch count for the new design, Floral Alphabet. The numbers have been reversed and should be 148w x 114h. I apologize for any inconvenience.

Friday, March 25, 2016

#315 Floral Alphabet - A feminine alphabet which can be beautifully framed or finished as a pillow. Stitched on #32 antique ivory Belfast linen.

#316 French Country Bicycle - This is a new look for a very traditional French theme: flower baskets, lavender, a cafe and a bicycle brimming with charm.

#317 French Country Snowflake - A shop owner in Vermont requested this design, and it was so much fun to stitch that I got carried away and stitched 3 different models. The model pictured was stitched on #32 Belfast Blue Spruce linen with white floss.

#318 French Country Stork - Stitched on #32 French Polka Dot linen from Fabric Flair. This design includes a complete alphabet to personalize the piece with names and dates. The model was finished as a flat hanging piece and it could be stitched in any color combination.

#319 - Ready, Set, Go ABC's - The perfect project for a little boy's room. I've used a variety of Classic Colorworks and Weeks fibers, and have a button kit available which includes all 22 tiny white and black buttons. The model was finished with a Family Tree Frame.

#320 A Visit From the Tooth Fairy - A classic design for small children. A pre-finished pillow has been designed especially for this piece, and I've used JABC buttons for the fairy's wand and the corners of the pillow.

Special Kits

released at the Nashville Market

Ooh La La - A darling little scissors picket kit. The pocket is on the back and I've used the cutest little pair of Eiffel Tower scissors to complete the theme. The kit includes a piece of #32 linen for the larger design and a piece of #28 linen for the scissors fob which is worked over one. Also included are the print and polka dot fabrics, ribbon, a button, rick rack and complete finishing instructions. Two background options are offered: either little crowns or an alphabet. Just select your favorite!

Pastel Project Bag - A sweet little zippered bag, perfect for carrying one of your favorite new JBW Designs along with your stitching accessories. Two fabric options are available: one in peach and the other in aqua. Each bag has a #32 linen insert and requires no finishing. A complete monogram chart is included with each kit. This would be a lovely gift for Mother's Day, a wedding shower - or something just for yourself!

Find the New Spring Titles from JBW Designs at a needlework retailer near you!

Friday, January 29, 2016

While we strive to provide accurate charts and instructions, there are times when errors do slip by. It has been brought to our attention that there is an error in the DMC color number on the chart for Birth Sampler ~ "You Shall See Wonders." The DMC equivalent for the Classic Colorworks Whatley Woodland should be #434. You can find all of our corrections by clicking the Corrections tab at the top of this page. We are sorry for any inconvenience.

About Me

JBW Designs was established in 1976 and the original designs were needlepoint patterns sold as teaching pieces. For the past 34 years, I have been printing cross stitch designs in small leaflets. These designs have evolved from quilt themes to antique samplers and holiday designs. My French Country designs incorporate multiple antique sampler motifs and are usually stitched in all one color. In my spare time I enjoy reading, antiquing, gardening and spending time with our two married adult children and six grandchildren.